Dunkin’ recently attempted to trademark the name “Bagel Bunchkins,” but the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office issued a preliminary ruling that rejected the name, saying it was too similar to an existing trademark for “The Bagel Bunch,” held by Fred Meyer Stores.

The company hasn’t said whether it will appeal the decision. Nor has it revealed when the bagel bites might hit stores. Still, legal experts said the trademark filing suggested that might be relatively soon.

Bagels have been involved in a number of prior product innovations at Dunkin’, including 2010′s “Bagel Twists.” The company added bagels to its menu in 1996.

Dunkin’ won’t be the first company to put its own spin on the bagel. Einstein Noah Restaurant Group (NASDAQ:BAGL) already sells “Bagel Poppers” — essentially, the bagel version of doughnut holes — with a variety of toppings at its 775 restaurants .